travelbug821

Is it still necessary to "cross the lake" if I stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge during my visit to Arenal Volcanos? From the map that is on Arenal.net, the Lodge is already located on the other side of the lake. I was thinking about using the taxi/boat/taxi method to get to Monteverde but from the looks of it, I don't need to do that. Please advise. I'm really getting frustrated arranging transportation in Costa Rica.

MJ711

I just did what you are looking to do, except we had a rental car. If we could have, we definitely would have done the taxi, boat, taxi option. In a rental car you will have to drive around the lake. It took us several hours. And it was a very bumpy ride with lots of twists and turns. Get a map.

earthmama

just returned from cr, stayed @ the observatory lodge, took van/boat/van to monteverde. would suggest you do this. we heard from people who drove it is very easy to get lost. simply ask the reception counter at the observatory lodge to book you seats on the van/boat/van think it was $25pp very relaxing way to go. enjoy.

RufusTFirefly

We found the taxi/boat/taxi was fun and interesting. The taxi was a van. We went the other way, from Monteverde to Arenal. Our first views of Volcan Arenal from the lake were fantastic.

carbonaddict

this map shows the locations of the hotels:
www.arenal.net/arenal-costa-rica-map.htm

as you can see there is a track from the observatory directly to monteverde via el castillo. I understand this is used sometimes by 4WD taxis but can be impassable when heavy rain etc. hence may not be 100% reliable until a few days before. i would contact your hotel or one of the jeep transfer outfits at monteverde to check. if you do this please post your info as I am interested in the same transfer.

Mel_Becker

There is no "track from the observatory directly to monteverde via el castillo" and no cars or 4WD taxis can use it as it is a horseback trail! See this page for info on the different ways to go from Arenal to Monteverde or vice versa: http://www.arenal.net/tour/monteverde.htm

kthyrn

We did the van/boat/taxi option from Monteverde to Arenal and it worked out great. Was less time also than driving around the lake. The boat ride was also interesting and fun. The taxi drops you off right at your hotel doorstep too.